E3 has kept me pretty busy the past few weeks so I am a little behind. I finally had some time to sit down and start playing through Watch Dogs. Internet rage over the broken PC version and the apparent "graphical degradation" following it's 2012 announcement had kept my hype level in check. Even our own review from the likes of Chris Davis (Review is Here) kept my expectations at an all time low upon release. Having now spent a good 6 - 8 hours with the game, I can say that i have reached my own conclusion...

I am enjoying the hell out of Watch Dogs. Forget the ridiculous expectations and unsurpassable hype set by the original trailer because at it's core, Watch Dogs is fun, absolutely gorgeous, and is littered with a variety of content. The game leaves reality in the dust in favor of some spectacular "hacking" mechanics that make combat, driving, stealth, and even multiplayer fun in ways that I have never seen before. Hell, I'm even enjoying the story thus far despite the rushed setup and a protagonist who lacks most, if not all traces of personality.

Does the game look as good as the original demonstration? Not exactly but I think the important question here is: "Who cares?" Unless you are fundamentally opposed to Ubisoft's chosen design philosophy or development cycles, it's hard to deny that there is fun to be had playing Watch Dogs. For me, open-world combat has never felt as profound and car chases have never felt as visceral as they do here. I still have a ways to go before the credits roll but honestly, Ubisoft has demonstrated to me once again that they have what it takes to innovate in some remarkable ways.

So here's a thought, forget the hype. Don't let it spoil what might otherwise be your most enjoyable gaming experience of the year. I'll be discussing my thoughts more on this weeks podcast. Tune in tonight on 4pp.tv starting at 8PM (CST)!

Comments

Happy maker
5 years, 3 months ago

Good stuff Nick, i agree.

Gamers reaction in general to this game, made me realize what a sad and scary direction the gaming community is going, the amount of nitpicking has been ridiculous, worse is that they easily voice those opinions on the internet, and then get brainless ghouls that follow their opinion without thinking. Watch Dogs looks fun, and its all that should matter, unfortunately people need clicks.

It is reprehensible though, the fact that bullshots are becoming more recurrent in this industry, because like i said, gamers like to make their voices heard, and of course 1 unsatisfied costumer is worse than 3 satisfied costumers.

Great post Nick. Do you think it's hazardous or irresponsible for game reviewers to factor in hype in their reviews? Obviously you have to to some extent but objectivity must be difficult to maintain when so many people have such high expectations for a game.

Honestly? A lot of people should care that Watch Dogs doesn't look as good as that original demonstration. There's a mod out there that unlocks tons of graphical improvements for the PC version of the game. Ubisoft had to delay Watch Dogs solely to downgrade the visuals for consoles.

And people should also take issue with Ubisoft's development cycles. Considering said cycles apparently don't even allow for basic features that most other studios can accomplish, there is definitely a big issue there. As Jim Sterling pointed out, if Ubisoft's development cycles hemorrhage that much money and resources, then Ubisoft needs to seriously reconsider how they develop AAA titles.

Ubisoft is dangerously close to ending up on my blacklist (no pun intended) after the bullshit they've pulled off recently. So far, EA has been the only one who has managed to piss me off to the point where I'm outright boycotting them now, and Ubisoft is right on the fence.

Don't bother listening to those gamers. They can be some of the most self-entitled and immature people when they don't get exactly what they want. If you enjoy it regardless of its flaws, then that should really be nothing wrong with that. Game on, brother.

Hey thanks for posting this Nick. I too get a little hesitant about games when the hype train is so strong but decided to give WD a chance last minute. I'm having a blast with the game and IMO the graphics aren't that bad on the PS4 version. Good to see someone setting the record straight that it should be fine to like a game for what it is and how it meets your tastes. Screw what the majority thinks-I think Bioshock and Rayman sucks...BAM!

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